“I don’t care. That’s my life,” Karl Malone pays no heed to criticism over allegations of impregnating 13-year-old girl
As Karl Malone judged the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest, his deeds from his troubled past were brought into light once again.
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Chris Samuel/ The Salt Lake Tribune
Karl Malone had an NBA career for the history books. While several people recognize him for his legendary basketball career, others remember him for a troubled past riddled with controversies. One of the scandals he landed himself in was so serious that it dragged his reputation across the league through the mire.
Back in 1998, reports spread like wildfire that The Mailman was encountering paternity lawsuits. Later, word circulated quickly that the 14-time All-Star allegedly impregnated a woman when she was just 13-years-old. Reportedly, Malone was 20 back then and was starring on the court for Louisiana Tech University.
The NBA brought the NBA great back into limelight by making him the judge of its Slam Dunk Contest, a decision that has been heavily criticized. His rare appearance in front of media resulted in opening up old wounds. However, as the controversial topic was touched upon once again after all these years, Malone refused to comment on what transpired back then.
“I’m not discussing any of that backlash. I don’t care,” said the legendary power forward. “That’s my life, that’s my personal life, and I’ll deal with that like I’ve had to deal with everything. So, whatever,” he added.
The NBA’s marquee event was held in Utah, a city where Malone cemented himself as one of greatest ever. He even received an ovation from the fans at Vivint Arena. Moroever, he was a part of ceremony honoring LeBron James after he passed Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Related: NBA Slam Dunk contest: Fans in shambles over Karl Malone being named judge despite his dark past
Was Karl Malone convicted for his deeds?
While it was heavily believed that Karl Malone will be convicted for his actions, the lawsuit was settled behind close doors for an undisclosed amount. For years, he fought the accusations and his fatherhood status until acknowledging the boy as his own and building a relationship with his now-38-year-old son.
Interestingly, the boy named Demetress Bell went on to become an athlete himself. The Buffalo Bills drafted him in the seventh round of the NFL Draft in 2008. Bell managed to stay in the league for four years before being released. His relationship with Malone came more into light as he gained recognition. Moreover, he even made some stinging comments concerning his initially tumultuous relationship with the NBA legend.
“I treat it as if my mother went to the sperm bank. I don’t hate him for [not being in my life]. It made me a better person,” the former NFL offensive lineman said as per an ESPN report by Jemele Hill. It wasn’t until 2014 they tried to mend their relationship. Reportedly, both Malone and Bell are now on good terms.
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Ritvik Malhotra
(1085 Articles Published)